In California, the Chicago Red Stars’ seventh consecutive playoff campaign came to an early end after a 2-1 overtime loss to San Diego Wave FC in the quarterfinal round of the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs on Oct 16 in front of an NWSL playoff-record crowd of 26,215 at Snapdragon Stadium.
During the game’s ninth minute, Yuki Nagasato took advantage of a short pass from San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, sending the ball to the back of the net and giving the Red Stars an early lead.
The early goal helped solidify the Red Stars’ momentum in the game as they retained possession with 53 percent compared to San Diego’s 46 percent into halftime, CBS Sports noted. However, Chicago was unable to convert the go-ahead goal.
San Diego’s ability to play themselves back into the match during the second half led to an equalizer. The two sides ended up tied during regulation, and San Diego coach Casey Stoney utilized her bench to carry the team through extra time. Alex Morgan scored the game-winner in extra time for the hosts.
The Wave will now face the Portland Thorns in the semis.